Chelsea news: Antonio Conte gets beers in for Chelsea reporters with a trip to local pub
ANTONIO CONTE can do no wrong on the pitch as his Chelsea side won 12 in a row yesterday – and he endeared himself to journalists by taking some out for a pre-Christmas drink.
The Blues are on their way to a club record number of wins and brushed Bournemouth aside on Boxing Day thanks to goals from Pedro, Eden Hazard and an own goal.
Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are leading the title race so farGetty ImagesThe Plough in Cobham, Surrey where Conte took a select band of reporters
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They did that without key men Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante, showing the amazing effect Conte is having on the Chelsea team, who this time last year were in disarray just above the drop zone.
The Old Plough in Cobham is close to Chelsea’s training groundAntonio Conte bought the beers for a group of reporters before Chelsea’s Boxing Day clash with BournemouthAntonio Conte opted to use Eden Hazard as his main forward instead of Michy BatshuayiGetty Images
And given previous boss Jose Mourinho's fractured relationship with the press, he went some way to appeasing hardened journalists before Christmas.
Antonio Conte embraced goalscorer Pedro at full time at Stamford Bridge as his side charge onEPA
It emerged that Conte took a select few journalists out for a drink on Christmas Eve in the local pub near Chelsea's Cobham training ground in Surrey.
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BBC reporter John Southall explained how Conte invited journalists who attended his press conference before the game against Bournemouth for a pint afterwards.
He said: "We spent a very enjoyable hour in his company. A handful of journalists were invited for a pre-Christmas drink with the manager after his press conference.
Chelsea are one victory away from matching the Premier League winning recordPA:Press Association
"So we all adjourned to the local pub around the corner from the training ground, The Plough, and he bought us a beer. It was all very pleasing.
"He was very engaging, personable and open with us, reflecting how he has transformed the club on and off the pitch.
Pedro opened the scoring in the first half as Chelsea beat BournemouthAP:Associated Press
"The players know exactly where they stand with him, they know what is expected from them, his man management appears to be good and I think that reflects the way he carries himself in front of the press and his players.
"Remember this time last year, they were three points off the relegation zone, they were treading water horribly under Guus Hiddink, and he has transformed it."
Cesc Fabregas could also be on his way out of Stamford Bridge despite playing yesterdayReuters
His side now sit seven points clear of second place in the Premier League and face Stoke City at home on New Year's Eve.
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